For a driver with a car that is not in the top five of the constructors’ championship, a place in the top ten of the drivers’ standings brings added satisfaction, and that battle is largely between Nico Hulkenberg and Pierre Gasly. The two are separated by just one point, in favor of Hulkenberg, but also don’t rule out Yuki Tsunoda, who is six points behind Gasly.
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Uncertain futures
No drivers are officially retiring at this stage in their careers, but for many this weekend will be their last outing in Formula 1 for the foreseeable future. With several rookies set to join the grid next season, Valtteri Bottas, Kevin Magnussen and Zhou Guanyu will be out of seats by 2025, while Franco Colapinto is also coming to the end of his interim period driving for Williams.
Of that quartet, Colapinto has put himself in the frame to potentially be picked by Red Bull should there be a lineup change between the two teams they own, but is currently due to leave the grid.
Technically, Liam Lawson does not have his future confirmed either, with RB only stating that he will drive until the end of this season when he replaces Daniel Ricciardo. The expectation is that he will at least remain with the team in 2025, if not get a chance at Red Bull should Sergio Perez be replaced.
Perez is currently under contract for the next two seasons, but Red Bull has said it will present other potential options to its shareholders after this weekend’s race, so a move could be made following a disappointing season for the Red Bull driver. 34 years.